MAACS Seeks Litigation Support Counsel

Apply by October 31, 2019
MAACS LITIGATION SUPPORT COUNSEL
Lansing or Detroit Office

The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), a division of the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO), is hiring an experienced criminal appellate attorney to serve as Litigation Support Counsel for the roster of approximately 150 private attorneys who accept 2,300 court-appointed felony appeals in Michigan every year. Working under the supervision of the MAACS Administrator and Deputy Administrator, the Litigation Support Counsel will help train, support, and supervise new and established MAACS roster attorneys and handle other administrative responsibilities as appropriate.

The Litigation Support Counsel provides support and mentorship to new MAACS roster attorneys through their first two appellate assignments and thereafter as necessary. Responsibilities include briefing support, development of model pleadings, collaboration on training programs, case-specific consultation and support, and second-chair courtroom support in select cases. The Litigation Support Counsel will also help facilitate the appointment of expert and investigative services in appropriate cases, collaborate with investigators and experts, and work closely with roster attorneys to develop investigation and litigation strategies. The successful candidate may carry a limited caseload, subject to other job responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS: Must be a licensed attorney with at least two years of experience with Michigan criminal appeals and familiarity with criminal defense investigations. Outstanding legal research and writing, communication, and appellate advocacy skills are essential. Qualified applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and public service.

DETAILS: This is a permanent full time position. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, 401k/457 plans, 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation during the first year, training, and  a flexible work environment. SADO has offices in Detroit and Lansing, with most MAACS operations in the Lansing office.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter stating your interest in the position and office location preference. Include your resume, a copy of your law school transcript, and a redacted writing sample.

WRITING SAMPLE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: To promote objectivity in the review of applications, please redact your name, address, work affiliation, and jurisdictional identifiers from your writing sample. Save your writing sample file as “WritingSample.pdf” and do not include your name on the file.

Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2019 to:

State Appellate Defender Office, ATTN: Wendy Dealca 645 Griswold, Ste 3300
Detroit, MI 48226
Email: wdealca@sado.org / Fax: 313-965-0372

SADO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals with past involvement in the justice system are encouraged to apply.